France and horses. This connection is stronger than the Eiffel Tower. It was here that equestrian sport transformed from a military necessity into an art and then into a major sport. The French invented the hunter, bred the best racehorses, and created the most elegant tournament in the world. Let's find out why France can be called the cradle of modern equestrian sport.

History: from knights to the Olympic Games

Horses in France have always been a symbol of power. Under Louis XIV (the Sun King), there was a Royal Stables where aristocrats were trained in horseback riding. In the 17th-18th centuries, the French cavalry was considered the best in Europe.

But the real breakthrough happened in the 19th century. After the revolution, equestrian sport democratized. The first hippodromes appeared (in Paris — Longchamp, 1857). Société d'Encouragement was founded — a society for the development of harness and racing sports.

In 1900, equestrian sport was included in the Olympic Games (Paris). Competitions were held in show jumping, dressage, and eventing. The French won the first gold medals.

Today, France is one of the leading countries in equestrian sport. In terms of the number of Olympic medals (more than 20), it only trails Germany. The French school of riding has been included in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

French horse breeds: pride of the nation

The most famous French horse is the Selle Français. This is a sports horse for hunter, dressage, and eventing. Bred in Normandy. Large, strong, and enduring. Used in the Olympics. Price from 20,000 to 100,000 euros.

The second is the Percheron. A heavy draught horse. Bred in the province of Perche. Used for forestry, on farms, and in tourism. Calm and strong. Weight up to 1200 kg.

The third is the Arabian horse (although it is not purely French, but it has been bred in France since the 19th century). A national stud has been created in Pompadour.

The fourth is the French trotter (Trotteur Français). Bred in Normandy for racing. Very fast. Known worldwide.

And of course, ponies — the French pony (Poney Français de Selle). Small horses for children.

Equestrian tournaments in France

The most important is the "Gucci Paris Masters." It is held in Paris at the Port de Versailles arena in December. It is part of the Rolex Grand Slam series. The prize fund is 1 million euros. The best riders in the world participate.

Another prestigious one is the "Concours in La Baule" (La Baule CSIO). It is held in the city of La Baule on the Atlantic coast. It is an event of the Nations Cup. French fans put on a show: they whistle, sing, shout "Allez les Bleus!"

Steeplechases — "Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe." It is held at the Longchamp hippodrome in Paris (the first Sunday in October). These are the most prestigious races in Europe. The prize fund is 5 million euros. They are broadcast in 80 countries.

Eventing — "Les Etoiles de Pau" (in the city of Pau, Pyrenees). One of the stages of the world eventing championship. A difficult terrain, rain, wind. A test for horses and riders.

Riders of France: legends

Pierre Durand — Olympic champion in 1988 in show jumping. His horse Jappeloup became a legend. A movie about them was made in 2013 — "Jappeloup."

Roger-Yves Bost — Olympic champion in 2016 (team). Known for aggressive riding. His nickname is "teletubby" due to his helmet.

Kevin Staut — European champion in 2009, team bronze at the 2016 Olympics. One of the best in the world in 2026.

Women: Penelope Leprevost — bronze in 2016, multiple French champion. Julien Epaillard — speed hunter.

In eventing — Adèle Olivier, Michel Gill. Dressage — Jean-Charles Deborre.

The French riders have always been in the top 10 of the world ranking. In 2026, the world positions: Kevin Staut — #4, Simon Delestre — #7.

The French National Institute of Equestrian Sports (IFCE)

In the town of Saumur (Saumur), the main center for training riders is located — "Cadre Noir." This is an elite riding school founded in 1828. "Black cadres" are instructors (equitation) in black tunics. Their performances are the hallmark of France. Tourists come to Saumur specifically to see horses dance to classical music.

The school trains athletes, coaches, judges. Students study show jumping, dressage, eventing, and driving. Every year, the "Masters de Saut d'Obstacles" competitions are held.

The Institute publishes the magazine "Cheval Magazine," publishes books on equestrian sports.

Equestrian tourism in France

France is paradise for equestrian travelers. Thousands of kilometers of routes through vineyards, castles of the Loire Valley, Pyrenees, Alps. You can rent a horse and go on a week-long trip, staying in shelters. Guided tours are organized.

The Normandy region — the capital of horse breeding. There are excursions to breeding farms. The Camargue region (south) — wild white Camargue horses. Photo safaris are organized on them.

Versailles — equestrian shows in the royal stables. Horses dance the minuet. Tickets are sold a month in advance.

In Paris — walks in the forest of Boulogne and Vincennes on ponies for children. The Longchamp hippodrome is for racehorse enthusiasts.

What is French dressage

The French school of dressage is considered more artistic than the German (which is technical). The French emphasize "freedom of movement" — the horse should look happy. They use baroque music, costumes, feathers in hats.

The French riders love the passage (the horse lifts its legs high) and the pirouette. They have brought many elements from ballet into dressage. That's why French dressage is called "the dance of horses."

The most famous French dressage trainer is Marcel Sireau. His students have won European championships.

Equestrian sports in French schools

Every French school has a riding section (or there is a club nearby). Children start training at 6 years old. First on ponies, then on larger horses. Competitions between schools are held every year.

The French Equestrian Federation (FFE) has 700,000 members (including amateurs). This is one of the largest in the world. 10,000 competitions are held every year.

There are "equestrian sports diplomas" in France — state exams (gallops 1-7). Even those who do not plan to be professionals take them for themselves.

The future of equestrian sports in France

In 2024, Paris hosted the Olympic Games (show jumping, dressage, eventing). The French won gold in team show jumping (Staut, Bost, Epaillard) — this was a triumph. In 2026, they are preparing for the World Championship in Potsdam (Germany), but France is one of the favorites.

In 2027, the European Equestrian Championship will be held in France (the location has not yet been determined, possibly Bordeaux). A new equestrian center is being built in Marseille.

Para-equestrian sports are developing for the disabled (para-show jumping). France is one of the leaders in this discipline. In 2026, it is planned to open 10 new para-equestrian centers.

The problem: the cost. Horses, feed, veterinarians, transportation — everything is getting more expensive. The Federation is fighting for subsidies. But the love for horses does not fade.

France is the cradle of equestrian sport not only because it had the best horses and riders. Because here, equestrian sport has become part of the culture. When a Frenchman pets a horse, he feels like a continuation of the traditions of the Gallic riders. And that's great.

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